FIRM GOAL

The chieftain ordered his men to give the royal guests something to eat.  Soon, the trio were treated to a delicious delicacy which comprised of fruits and meat.  It was after a long time that they had such a content meal! 

The chieftain introduced himself as Subu and the conversed with them, “My men were out for hunting when they saw two ladies coming here with a child.   As soon as they informed me, I came out to enquire.” 

Subu, thereby, informed them of something that alarmed the Queen and the others!  “Just a few hours ago, some men came here on horseback.  They were in the lookout for a woman.  Now from what you said I feel that they may have been asking about you, O Queen!”

Seeing Satyabhama’s tensed face, Subu tried to ward off her fears, “Do not worry!  You have nothing to worry about as long as you are here.  We shall ensure your safety!  Rest assured that your enemies would never imagine that you could be staying with us! Those who came here are already done with the enquiries about you and hence will not return back.”

The Queen thanked Subu for his assuring words.

Thus began their stay in the abode of the jungle tribe.  The manner in which the jungle men tried to make their guests comfortable was commendable indeed!  Subu firmly felt that since Satyabhama was the Queen of the ruler of the land, she should be accorded the respect and honor that befits her stature!  Except early morning where Satyabhama was accompanied by the females to a nearby river for taking bath, on other occasions there was hardly a need for her to venture outside the cottage for all her needs were met by the jungle men just like it was taken care of in the palace! 

As Satyabhama’s health deteriorated at times, Subu ensured that she was given the best of meals that would boost her resisting power to fight against such indisposition. 

Within a few days of their stay Amritraj became a favorite of all the children in the tribe. With his gallant talks and childish pranks, he became a darling of the elders as well! 

A notable factor which happened in the coming days was that the little Prince completely got accustomed to the vagaries of staying in the wilderness, that was largely due to the children of the tribes who enjoyed their life in the jungle.  The children used to converse with the animals around and being in their company, Amritraj, too, began to learn this art. 

All this was pleasing for the Queen from one aspect but also disquieting at the other end.  She expressed her mind to Vaidehi and then to Subu in one of her conversations with him.

”My son cannot spend his entire childhood by just being one among the other children around here.  I am worried about his education!”

“O Queen, the vartak forest is not far from here.  There, I know of a sage named Hrishikesh who imparts education to young children like our Prince.  If you deem it fit, I and my men shall approach him to meet you regarding the Prince’s education.” Subu offered.

Satyabhama was only grateful at this suggestion, and she instantly agreed to it.  Later on, during the day, Subu accompanied by some of his men went to meet the Sage and apprised him of the developments. 

Hrishikesh promptly came alongwith them to meet the Queen.  As Satyabhama took his blessings, the sage expressed his immense happiness at seeing her and the Prince safe from the prying eyes of the enemy.   

Thereby, the Queen had a long discussion with the maharishi in Subu’s cottage where Vaidehi was also present.   

Amritraj was then called over.  After he came inside, his mother introduced him to the sage and asked him to seek the rishi’s blessings.  Then, she made him sit on her lap and conversed with him, “Do you want to become a great warrior and statesman like your father?”

The child eagerly nodded in the affirmative.  Pointing towards the sage, Satyabhama continued, “He will guide you to achieve these objectives.  However, for this to materialize you shall have to stay with him for twelve years away from all of us!”

The face of the Prince fell pale as he heard these words.